The Villa Times - 04/11/2010

Some more on the VMF restaurant. As a training restaurant they really do need our support in this and I must say, having been there three times now, it really is a joy to go, lovely food, great people and so nice to see these youngsters grabbing their chance with both hands and hopefully setting themselves up for life. Anyway, our very own Ashley Young is impressed. Full article: VMF just got better

Ciaran Clark has today agreed a new contract extension with Villa that will keep him here until the summer of 2014. Speaking on the Official Site after the paperwork was done, Clark said he was delighted to be extended his deal and that he was looking forward to making a real impact on the first team. The now Republic of Ireland soon to be international, has been at Villa since he was a wee 12 years old and has impressed at all levels throughout the club and played a big part in our treble winning reserve side as he skippered them to victory after victory. Full article: Clark Commits To B6

Ashley Young has an interview in The Sun today saying once again he is happy at Villa and isn`t angling for a move after putting contract talks on hold. I say ... once again ... because we had something early September where Ash told a good friend of mine: 'I love it at Villa, I am going nowhere, I really want the fans to know that' Full article and quotes: Press Are Wrong - Ashley Young Will NOT Be Off

Ashley Young told the Mirror that he thinks Albrighton will soon also be in the England set up. He said: "Marc has won two player of the month awards and it`s been deserved. We said a while back when he was a youngster that he will be one of the ones coming through and he`s definitely showing that. He has taken his opportunity with both hands. He`s been playing for the Under-21s but I don`t see why he can`t be challenging me and others for an England place soon. I said that from the start of the season that I feel like a senior now and I don`t know how, I`m only 25." MF article on it: Click Here

Fieldy: It doesn't take much to get me all nostalgic, but hearing Marc Albrighton mention Sid and Gary Mac in their prime certainly does the trick. Speaking to the Official Site man of the moment Albie said he was loving the new passing philosophy that Gerard Houllier was working on getting the team to play because a slow build up, with sensible counter attacking at speed suits him and more over who better to help train the lads than two former midfield maestro's, Gordon Cowans and Gary McAllister. 'I started working with Sid at U15s level, I really rate him as a coach and he was a great technical player. 'He's an absolute legend at Villa, there's no better coach to be working with.' Full article: Any Excuse To Talk About Cowans

Just a snippet but more than worth making a tiny article out of! Our very own Revd Pete posted yesterday in our forum about Gary Gardner: 'Just for info, I have heard today that our superb young prospect has been cleared by his specialist to resume full training. Brilliant news. I'm sure we all wish him well, and soon back to what he loves doing best, playing football!' Fantastic news, this player is very highly regarded and should be another from a very proud line of youth players making it to the first team.

Fieldy: Curtis Davies has admitted he is loving the chance to play regularly again, and that he wouldn't mind extending his loan with Leicester. Speaking to Talksport Davies thanks Svennis for placing the confidence in him to play after his 'unfortunate' recent experiences at Villa Park, and he's just happy to be playing again. 'Now I just want to get on with my game. It's just a joy to be playing again.' Full article: Curtis Davies Looking For Foxes Extension

An article in the Daily Mail today says that Villa, along with Liverpool, are after Preston defender Sean St Ledger. Apparently our scouts have watched the 25-year-old Republic of Ireland international on a regular basis. Details: Aston Villa January Transfer Talk

Villa really do seem to be totally out of luck at the moment don`t we? The latest set back is striker Emile Heskey who could be out for up to a month having injured his knee in training this week. Full article: Heskey Operation Blow To Villa

Barry Bannan will be called into the full Scottish squad for their friendly against the Faroe Islands on November 16

Stiliyan Petrov has urged his team mates to kick on during his time on the sidelines as he bids to recover from his partial medial knee ligament tear. Following his injury it was clear Petrov would be out for a number of weeks but it was unsure if he would require surgery and for exactly how long he would be on the sidelines. Speaking on the Official Site Petrov admitted he was desperately disappointed to be out of action until gone Christmas as he's not used to having such lengthy injuries. 'I'm bitterly disappointed not to be involved. I feel ok, but it was one of those things you have just got to accept in football.' Full article: Petrov Sidelined For 3 Months